LONDON, 19 February 2026 – As the Premier League enters the final stretch of the 2025/26 season, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers are navigating a high-stakes Gameweek 27. With the deadline approaching, the focus has shifted to managing a growing injury list and optimising the new tactical features introduced this season, including the “Assistant Manager” chip and revised defensive scoring.
Gameweek 27: Latest Team News and Injuries
The most significant news for managers this week involves Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. Following a press conference on Wednesday, coach Oliver Glasner confirmed that Mateta remains sidelined with a knee injury and is expected to be out for another two to three weeks. This leaves a significant gap for managers who had relied on the Frenchman for his recent form.
In more positive news for the Eagles, Justin Devenny is expected to be available after recovering from an ankle knock. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly has emerged as a budget-friendly “differential” after an impressive Gameweek 26 performance where he registered a goal and a clean sheet. At a price point of just A$4.9m (£4.9m), he is currently a top target for those looking to free up funds for premium assets.
2025/26 Rule Changes and Scoring
The 2025/26 season has introduced several fundamental changes to how points are accumulated, particularly for defensive players. The “CBIT” metric (Clearances, Blocks, Interceptions, and Tackles) has become a vital source of points for defenders who may not necessarily keep a clean sheet.
| Feature/Rule | Description | Points/Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Contribution | Combined 10 Clearances, Blocks, Interceptions, or Tackles (CBIT). | +2 Points |
| Assistant Manager Chip | Select a real PL manager to score points based on their club’s results. | Active for 3 consecutive Gameweeks |
| Chip Allocation | Bench Boost, Free Hit, Triple Captain, and Wildcard. | 1 use of each per half of the season |
| Bonus Points System | Points awarded to the top 3 performing players in a match. | 3, 2, and 1 point(s) respectively |
Strategic Outlook: The Assistant Manager Chip
A major talking point in the community this week is the optimal timing for the new Assistant Manager chip. Unlike traditional chips that last for a single Gameweek, this chip tracks a real-world manager’s performance over three consecutive rounds. With several “Double Gameweeks” on the horizon due to FA Cup scheduling, analysts suggest holding this chip until a top-four manager has a favourable run of home fixtures.
Public sentiment on platforms like Reddit indicates that AI-driven “Scout” tools are increasingly being used to predict these windows, with managers looking to capitalise on the consistency of teams like Manchester City and Arsenal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the new defensive scoring work?
Defenders now earn an additional two points if they reach a combined total of 10 clearances, blocks, interceptions, or tackles in a single match. This rewards “busy” defenders even if their team concedes a goal.
Can I use two chips in the same Gameweek?
No. Only one chip can be played in a single Gameweek. If you activate your Wildcard, you cannot use the Triple Captain or Free Hit chip in that same period.
What happens if there is a tie in the Bonus Points System (BPS)?
If two players are tied for the highest BPS, they both receive 3 points, and the next player receives 1 point. If there is a tie for second place, the top player gets 3 points and the two tied players get 2 points each.
Is Erling Haaland available for Gameweek 27?
According to the latest injury reports from 15 February, Haaland remains under assessment but is expected to feature in the upcoming fixtures, though managers should monitor Friday’s final press conferences for confirmation.